Edge effect in structure of arboreous species in a Dense Ombrophylous Forest fragment in Recife, Pernambuco – Brazil

Abstract

The objective in this paper was evaluate the edge effect in the structure and the spatial distribution patterns of arboreous species in Dense Ombrophylous Forest fragment in Recife, Pernambuco - Brazil. Fifteen plots of 10 x 25 m, totalizing a sample area of 3.750 m². The plots were installed in a systematic way, in parallels lines in the south edge of fragment. The first line was installed at 10 m of the edge and the others at distance of 50 m between lines. In all lines, the plots were installed 25 m among them. 401 individuals had been found pertaining to 53 botanical species and representing an estimated density of 1.069 ind ha-1. The diversity of Shannon-Wiener index was of 3,2 nats ind^-1. The pattern in the space distribution of the species in the 15 plots presented 6 with aggregate standard, 15 species with trend to the grouping and 32 had presented uniform distribution in the area. The edge area showed greater density and diversity of arboreous species than interior of fragment, however, the highest percentage of the Value of Importance (VI) was represented by few species. After 100 m, for the interior of fragment, edge effect tend to minimize impacts in the structure of the arboreous vegetation.